Ultra Diced Cartilage Graft in Rhinoplasty: A Fine Tool

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Free diced cartilage smaller than 0.2 mm in diameter to smoothen the nasal dorsum is a well-known procedure. However, creating smaller diced cartilage takes a really long time. In contrast, the free diced cartilage technique has some visibility problems, especially in thin-skin patients, although a fine job is done to chop the cartilage. The author aimed to present the "ultra diced cartilage graft" and the way to achieve it, to eliminate the problems of diced cartilage during rhinoplasty, and compare it with free diced cartilage grafting technique. METHODS: Between April of 2015 and December of 2018, the ultra diced cartilage graft technique in 104 patients and the free diced cartilage graft technique in 113 patients were used to smoothen the dorsum or augment the radix/dorsum. Operation records, rhinoplasty outcome evaluation questionnaire, palpation test, and evaluation of the immediate postoperative photographs on the table with postoperative 1-year postoperative photographs by two independent blinded plastic surgeons were analyzed. RESULTS: Ultra diced cartilage seemed superior to free diced cartilage grafting with regard to graft visibility and resorption. CONCLUSIONS: Ultra diced cartilage graft is an effective and easily reproducible technique in rhinoplasty. There is no extra cost, and it is the easiest and fastest way to have this perfectly pliable cartilage have no dead space. The ultra diced cartilage grafting technique should be known by all plastic surgeons to achieve fineness in rhinoplasty. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.